Frequently Asked Questions 
How do I make a public liability claim?
What can I expect if Slater & Gordon handle my claim?
What do I need to do?
What if an insurance company or claims agent approaches me to settle my claim?
What does compensation cover?
Is there a time limit to lodge a public liability claim?
Only an experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to advise you of your best chance of obtaining compensation, the process involved and how much you should be seeking.
Our team of public liability lawyers are committed to achieving the best possible compensation outcomes on behalf of injured or bereaved persons and their families.
We will work with you to thoroughly assess the circumstances of your claim and advise you frankly of the legal options and avenues available to you.
Slater & Gordon will:
- Maintain open communication at all times
- Be sympathetic to your needs and concerns in circumstances where your life is suddenly in turmoil
- Provide the support of a team of professionals who are experts in public liability law
- Undertake all necessary investigations
- Assist in gathering medical reports
If you believe that you have a public liability claim it is important that you contact a lawyer as soon as possible and gather as much evidence as you can to support your claim. The type of evidence includes:
- Medical evidence
Seek treatment from your local doctor or hospital immediately and inform them of the cause of your injury.
If appropriate, take photographs of the place where you were injured (if possible) which show the hazard or danger or defect. Also take photographs of your physical injuries.
Obtain the contact details of any witness to your accident.
Keep copies of all your receipts or accounts for expenses that you have which you may be able to claim back later.
In the case of a defective product you must keep the product in your possession. Do not destroy it or give it to anyone. If possible keep instruction books and warning labels or tags.
Be cautious of any offer made by an insurer or claims agent to pay ‘compensation’ or cover your medical costs.
It is quite common for an injured person to be offered what is often a small sum of money. In return they are asked to sign a document. The danger with this is that the document may prevent you from making any further claims even if your injury gets worse or becomes more serious than you realise.
Do not sign any document without consulting an experienced public liability lawyer first.
Compensation may include:
- Past and future medical and other injury related expenses
- Wages or income that is lost because of the injury
- Home help and attendant care while you are incapacitated (restrictions apply)
- A lump sum payment for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life
Slater & Gordon’s experienced personal injury lawyers will be able to advise you in detail about your entitlements and work with you to secure the best possible outcome.
The right to sue does not exist forever. There are time limits imposed by legislation on your right to make a claim. If you allow the time limit to expire then your rights will be lost.
The length of time available to lodge a claim varies from state to state.
It is very important that you speak to a lawyer well before the time period expires. If the time to lodge your claim expires, the court may, in some limited circumstances, allow you to extend the time to lodge your claim, however this is often a very costly exercise.